The latest on children’s health insurance, affordable housing, and rising credit card rates
Here are some favorite personal finance reads from around the web this week.
Let’s remember: 9 million kids’ health insurance is at stake in this budget fight
—Washington Post
The Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP), which expired in September, is nearly out of funding. As the budget debate drags on in Washington, the 9 million children and 370,000 women who rely on CHIP for medical care are at risk. Balancing a budget is tricky, but healthcare for our kids should not be up for negotiation.
Tax overhaul is a blow to affordable housing efforts
—New York Times
The recent GOP tax overhaul has many consequences, including a blow to affordable housing. As cities become more expensive to live in, housing for the working class has become critically important—but financing it has grown more difficult. Without the tax credits to continue development, many projects may be brought to a standstill. This article goes in detail about how it works, and why it matters.
Student loan defaults on the rise, Texas special education, and other education news
—NPR
This NPR roundup touches on a lot of issues that are on my mind right now—especially student loans. The Brookings Institute found that student loan default rates are worse than initially thought, especially among graduates of for-profit schools.
Pay down those credit cards, before rates rise further
—New York Times
Interest rates on credit cards are expected to rise this year. With that in mind, it’s wise to focus on paying them off. Remember, not all debt is created equal—and high-rate credit card debt should be tackled ASAP!
4 simple tips for working from home
—New York Times
If you find yourself working from home—either as a freelancer or on a remote day—it’s important to manage your time and boundaries. Here are some simple ways to improve your at-home workday habits.
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How to get what’s yours: equal pay at work
Though the pay gap has narrowed, women still earn less than men do on average for doing the same job. If you find out a coworker is making more than you for the same job, here’s how to negotiate equal pay at your workplace.
Help—I’m a bridesmaid on the verge of a financial breakdown!
One of your best friends is getting married. Great news, right? But what if you can’t afford the travel costs, bachelorette party favors, and expensive dinners? It doesn’t make you a bad friend, it just means it’s time to have an honest conversation about your financial limits.
To save big on summer travel, start planning now. Here’s how
It’s still (very much) winter, but if you want to save money on summer travel, it pays to plan now. Here are some simple tips to get great deals on flights and hotels so you don’t blow your vacation budget before you even get off the ground!
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